Hrbek's adds local flavor to Target Field

Restaurant and bar named after former Twins first baseman

By Tyler Mason / MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS -- Kent Hrbek was an instrumental part of the Minnesota Twins' World Series titles in 1987 and 1991. Now, the Twins legend and Minnesota native will lend his name to a bar and restaurant in the new Target Field, as plans for Hrbek's were announced by the team Tuesday.

The unveiling of Hrbek's, a bar and restaurant that will be located behind home plate and near gate 14 --Hrbek's jersey number -- was the first concessions-related news regarding the Twins' new stadium.

"Today's announcement is the first of what will be many announcements aimed at telling the story of what the food and beverage experience is going to be like at Target Field," Twins president Dave St. Peter said. "All kinds of fun ones to come -- we thought we'd lead off with kind of a hometown spot, and we'll develop our own signature items for this space."

St. Peter approached Hrbek nearly six months ago with the idea of using the former first baseman's name and likeness for one of the stadium's restaurants. And while Hrbek is grateful to be associated with the new ballpark, he knows the restaurant symbolizes more than his individual accomplishments.

"This is a Minnesota Twins deal. It's not a Hrbek deal," Hrbek said. "I'm very honored to have a place named after me. It'll be a place where you can come enjoy a beverage or two, have a bite to eat and go out and watch a great ball game in a great ballpark. ... I feel honored and humbled to be a part of a great tradition in Minnesota Twins baseball."

The restaurant will feature a full bar, several TV screens, standing tables, and an outdoor patio area large enough to accommodate 40-50 patrons. The outdoor aspect, St. Peter said, played a big part as plans for Hrbek's were devised.

"The indoor/outdoor space was important," St. Peter said. "That's been a principle thing with every interior club restaurant in the ballpark is that we have a patio or kind of a space for fans to congregate outdoors. It's all part of the hope that fans can embrace the beautiful outdoor weather in Minnesota."

The menu hasn't officially been decided yet, but Hrbek hopes the restaurant bearing his name will serve "something quick and easy."

"You're not going to be able to get a steak here, because I'd rather have a greasy hamburger and French fries," Hrbek said. "I think it would be good to fit what people in Minnesota like to eat. I know that people like a good greasy hamburger and a glass of beer. ... When I come to the ball park, I'll definitely be at Hrbek's."

Hrbek added that he'd like to serve another Minnesota favorite - walleye -- although the avid fisherman said he won't be the one providing the catch of the day.

"It won't be caught by me because I can't catch walleyes," Hrbek said. "We're trying to think of something that's kind of a signature. I think that kind of fits."

St. Peter anticipates that Target Field will serve other food brands familiar to Minnesotans. He also added that a few items might carry over from the Metrodome to the new park.

"We're still trying to figure that out," St. Peter said. "There's a big push for the Dome Dog to come to Target Field. Whether it will be called that or not, I don't know. But I think a product that's very similar to that is likely to find its way to Target Field. ... All of that work is yet to come."

Tyler Mason is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.